The 1st International Student Symposium on Selected Problems of Geomatics for Disaster Risk Reduction (ISSGeoDRR), a key event in the academic calendar of the Erasmus+ CBHE project Geomatics for Disaster Risk Reduction (GeoDRR), gathered professors, student researchers and scholars from Asia for a one-day exchange of research and innovative ideas. Hosted by the Silesian University of Technology and moderated by GeoDRR project leader Professor Krzysztof Tomiczek, PhD, the event aimed to enhance collaboration among young researchers and broaden the application of geomatics in addressing disaster risks. Xavier Ateneo is set to be a forefront institution to deliver the first Geomatics for DRR graduate program in the Philippines.
The symposium provided a dynamic platform for the presentation of 14 papers authored by 53 researchers from Poland, Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It showcased interdisciplinary research on topics including geomechanics, geotechnics, geography, seismology, hydrology, numerical modeling, image analysis, geophysics, management, and information systems.
The papers presented during the symposium reflect the vast potential of geomatics in enhancing disaster resilience, which is especially important for countries facing increasing climate risks and natural hazards. The symposium espoused the exchange of knowledge and methodologies, which laid the groundwork for more collaborative and impactful research in GeoDRR in the future.
Among the highlights were five compelling papers presented by students and faculty from the Civil Engineering Department of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan:
- Road Network Analysis on Hydrological Emergency Routes of Prof Lapasan, Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines
Authors: Chubby F Dayandayan, Neil Roman H De Leon, Miguel B Lendio, Anton Yubel M Villanueva, Anabel A Abuzo, and Jefferson Jr R Vallente
The study analyzed hydrological emergency routes using road network analysis, aiming to improve evacuation efficiency during floods. - The Fault in Our Slopes: A Geotechnical Investigation in Sitio Manggahan Through Deterministic and Probabilistic Methods
Authors: France P Patian, Kyna Blanche I Billedo, Jeric John P Cagalawan, Jeri Aubrey A Lim, Dan Raphael H Maghuyop, Ralp Joefil G Piit, Gerardo Apor, and Jefferson Jr R Vallente
This paper delved into slope stability in Sitio Manggahan, using both deterministic and probabilistic methods to assess landslide risks. - Development of Seismic Evacuation Routes for the Uptown Area of Cagayan De Oro City
Authors: Jhonhel H Sontosidad, Anna Patricia A Edma, Angela Jolie B Galarrita, Karl Francis O Honculada, Anabel A Abuzo, and Jefferson Jr R Vallente
The researchers explored seismic evacuation route planning, ensuring safety during earthquake events in an urban setting. - Assessment of the Existing and Proposed Dike System Along the Cabulig River in Lower Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Authors: Jefferson Jr R Vallente, Nestor D Jr Cipriano, Ma Elizalou V Ponc, Jeremy G Gamale, Kyle Angela B Daroy, Caroline V Cruza, and Arc Siede I Cabugsa
This study assessed the effectiveness of dike systems to mitigate flooding along the Cabulig River, suggesting improvements for long-term disaster resilience. - Seismic Fragility Assessment of Selected Mosques with Shell Domes in Marawi City, Philippines
Authors: Hairoden A Dura, Arick Justine C Jalagat, Noriel Francis J Fajardo, Augustine O Cuñado, Emil Roberto S Abrogar, Gerardo Apor, and Peter Andre Gamones
The team evaluated the seismic vulnerability of mosques in Marawi City, proposing structural reinforcement to enhance their earthquake resilience.
As these young researchers presented their findings, the event underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in disaster risk reduction, encouraging further exploration of how geomatics can inform policy and infrastructure development. With real-world applications that could potentially save lives and safeguard communities, the papers represented significant contributions to the growing field of geomatics and disaster risk management.
The symposium concluded with renewed commitments to international collaboration, with the participating students and faculty sharing insights that will shape future research directions. Professor Tomiczek expressed his enthusiasm for the GeoDRR project’s continued impact, in his opening remarks the project coordinator has shared the following:
"The international Project “Geomatics for Disaster Risk Reduction” is coming to the final stage. It has been 4 years of work for 10 Institutions: 6 universities from Asia, 3 universities and a consulting and IT company from the European Union.
These were the years of joint work on building and launching the GeoDRR master’s degree along with laboratory and lecture facilities.
The Project was launched and implemented under difficult conditions of Covid-19 pandemic, post-pandemic and geopolitical situation related to the war in Ukraine. This affected the possibility of meetings, logistics, or laboratory equipment.
The launch of the study also required the alignment of the European ECTS system of study programs with the national conditions of Asian-partner universities.
During the implementation of the GeoDRR Project, we received support from the university authorities, government administration and the corporate environment.
The teams worked persistently and continuously.
A big thank you to the university authorities and administration, as well as to all Participants in the Partner teams working on the Project.
This is not the end of our activities. I also trust that the mutual contact and cooperation will be continued and developed further in the future. The consortium built within the Project has the potential for further activities.
Once again, my sincere thanks to everyone involved in the GeoDRR Project. Krzysztof Tomiczek - coordinator of the GeoDRR Project (SUT PL)"
The 1st ISSGeoDRR Symposium has set a strong precedent for future events, fostering a culture of cooperation and academic excellence across borders.